Tory MPs say Greek exit will force referendum

David Cameron with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso at the EU summit in BrusselsLionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images

David Cameron will face demands from Tory MPs to redraw Britain’s relationship with Europe in the event of a Greek exit from the eurozone, senior government sources believe.

No 10 and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office say that treaties governing the European Union will have to be rewritten after the departure of one of the 17 members of the single currency bloc.

This would trigger “aggressive” demands by Tory MPs to hold a referendum on Britain’s EU membership, or pull out of the social chapter, a commitment made by Mr Cameron during his campaign for his party’s leadership.

It would also lead to an argument with Mr Cameron’s coalition partners.

The coalition has enshrined in law a commitment to hold a referendum if any further…